Palazzo Vecchio

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Piazza Della Signoria, Florence, Italy 50122+39 0552768325

Description: Towering over the Piazza Signoria is the stunning Palazzo Vecchio ("Old Palace"). The demanding structure has been part of the Renaissance city since 1299 and the iconic tower has been a piece of the city's skyline for centuries. Visitors can't miss this castle-like building as it sits amongst all of the center's main sites.

Originally built as a home to some of the Florentine government heads, this building is still used as for government, but now as the town hall. Housing plenty of pieces of art, as well as being heavy in historical significance, this palace is still studied by specialists around the world. Just to admire the palazzo from the outside plaza, where several sculptural masterpieces exist, is a worthwhile experience, but to go inside the museum allows an even closer look into Florence's history.

Admire the copy of Michelangelo's David (original in the Accademia Museum) just outside the doors of the palace's courtyard entrance, as well as Bandinelli's Hercules and Cacus. If you're not wanting to pay the entrance fee, at least take a step into the first open air courtyard and check out the interesting fountain and detailed wall decorations with beautiful arches around the edges.

Further inside, one can see 2 more courtyards as well as frescos from Vasari and Ghirlandaio. The most famous room being the Salone dei Cinquecento, which is a large hall with historic and massive story-telling frescos. Continue the tour up through the higher floors to several themed rooms and living quarters containing priceless pieces of art like the "Genius of Victory" sculpture by Michelangelo and "Judith and Holofernes" bronze piece by Donatello.

In the past few years archeologists have been researching and studying a part of the Palazzo Vecchio, where they believe a lost fresco of Leonardo da Vinci may be. Using high-tech x-ray type machinery they've been trying to see behind a wall to see if the "Battle of Anghiari" may reside there. Only known by Leonardo sketches, researchers have been trying to find the finished pieces for centuries. So step inside this old palace and enjoy being part of history!

• Piazza della Signoria
• Open 9am - 7pm (Fri - Wed), 9am- 2pm (Thurs)
• Admission 6eurosClose

Category:
Sightseeing
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Mon.-Wed. and Fri.-Sun. 9-7, Thurs. 9-2 Close
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Palazzo Vecchio Photo - Palazzo Vecchio, Florence, Italy

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The most important public building in Florence

by Zhebiton

Moscow, Moskva, Russia

May 5, 2011

Palazzo Vecchio - the most important public building in Florence and a unique example of secular architecture of the Middle Ages. He is a strong fortress, the height of his guard tower reaches 94 meters (the tallest tower in the city). Construction ...Read more Palazzo Vecchio - the most important public building in Florence and a unique example of secular architecture of the Middle Ages. He is a strong fortress, the height of his guard tower reaches 94 meters (the tallest tower in the city). Construction of the Palazzo Vecchio lasted from 1284 to 1341 years. Author of the project is considered to be a famous architect Arnoldo da Cambio.

Chimes in the tower of Palazzo Veko, as it should be - fine. Noon!
Government in ancient times consisted of Gonfalopera equity and 24 priors, are elected for two months. 6 ° All these days, they were obliged to sit bezvylazno in his palace (where they can be conveniently placed, well-fed and even entertained), collected continuously sprawling tips and make wise decisions. In extreme cases, priority ringing the bell and summoned to the area people - to vote (this is called a "parliament"). And if a vote of someone he had put to death, then sent the victim to wait for execution in the closet right above the meeting room - in a tower under the bell. There, in particular, has had time to sit Cosimo, the founder of the dynasty of the Medici, and there spent his last days of Savonarola.

Emblems of the twenty major departments in the facade.
In the Palazzo Vecchio della Signoria was the residence (Government of the Republic), then the Dukes of the Medici, and later met in the palace of the lower house of parliament of a united Italy. Now here is the mayor's office, most given museum.
When the Medici role of national institutions is gradually reduced to zero, and Cosimo I, came to power, abolished them altogether, moved into the Palazzo della Signoria, and he hired Vasari to redo the interiors. However, even in the remodeled interior of the latter-day ruler of Florence seemed to closely, so that he and his wife bought a palace poprostornee - Palazzo Pitti - and the old gave his son Francesco. The benefit of just profitable married the daughter of the Austrian emperor, in which case even rebuilt the yard: he painted views of the major cities of the Habsburg, izrisovali arabesque ceilings and raised the middle of the fountain Verrocchio - a winged genius (for some reason the fish).

If you tear off a sight from the Palazzo Vecchio and look left, look appear sculpture "Judith with the head of Holofernes" of Donatello. The fate of sculpture has developed interesting - it was created for the Medici palace, located in Largo (the modern name of the street - Cavour), but the monarchy was replaced by a republic, the palace was subjected to looting, and the masterpieces found in the area.
Another is located to the left of the lion with a flower iris on board - this is a statue of "Mardzokko", the authorship of which is also owned by Donatello. Being an ancient Florentine emblem, this composition, if necessary, could well pass for a symbol of urban liberties. Close

From journal The “Cradle of the Renaissance”

A Town-Hall Fortress in Florence

by airynfaerie

St. Augustine, Florida

October 19, 2009

Best of IgoUgo Towering over the Piazza Signoria is the stunning Palazzo Vecchio ("Old Palace"). The demanding structure has been part of the Renaissance city since 1299 and the iconic tower has been a piece of the city's skyline for centuries. Visitors can't miss ...Read more Towering over the Piazza Signoria is the stunning Palazzo Vecchio ("Old Palace"). The demanding structure has been part of the Renaissance city since 1299 and the iconic tower has been a piece of the city's skyline for centuries. Visitors can't miss this castle-like building as it sits amongst all of the center's main sites.

Originally built as a home to some of the Florentine government heads, this building is still used as for government, but now as the town hall. Housing plenty of pieces of art, as well as being heavy in historical significance, this palace is still studied by specialists around the world. Just to admire the palazzo from the outside plaza, where several sculptural masterpieces exist, is a worthwhile experience, but to go inside the museum allows an even closer look into Florence's history.

Admire the copy of Michelangelo's David (original in the Accademia Museum) just outside the doors of the palace's courtyard entrance, as well as Bandinelli's Hercules and Cacus. If you're not wanting to pay the entrance fee, at least take a step into the first open air courtyard and check out the interesting fountain and detailed wall decorations with beautiful arches around the edges.

Further inside, one can see 2 more courtyards as well as frescos from Vasari and Ghirlandaio. The most famous room being the Salone dei Cinquecento, which is a large hall with historic and massive story-telling frescos. Continue the tour up through the higher floors to several themed rooms and living quarters containing priceless pieces of art like the "Genius of Victory" sculpture by Michelangelo and "Judith and Holofernes" bronze piece by Donatello.

In the past few years archeologists have been researching and studying a part of the Palazzo Vecchio, where they believe a lost fresco of Leonardo da Vinci may be. Using high-tech x-ray type machinery they've been trying to see behind a wall to see if the "Battle of Anghiari" may reside there. Only known by Leonardo sketches, researchers have been trying to find the finished pieces for centuries. So step inside this old palace and enjoy being part of history!

• Piazza della Signoria
• Open 9am - 7pm (Fri - Wed), 9am- 2pm (Thurs)
• Admission 6euros Close

From journal A Visit to the Museums of Florence

The Civic Heart of the Florentine 'Republic'

by Liam Hetherington

Manchester, United Kingdom

August 10, 2008

Best of IgoUgo This building, a high, thin, crenellated stone keep topped with an elegant tower (the Torre d’Arnolfo) has had many names over the years. Palazzo del Popolo, Palazzo Priori, Palazzo della Signoria, Palazzo Ducale; it only became known as the Palazzo ...Read more This building, a high, thin, crenellated stone keep topped with an elegant tower (the Torre d’Arnolfo) has had many names over the years. Palazzo del Popolo, Palazzo Priori, Palazzo della Signoria, Palazzo Ducale; it only became known as the Palazzo Vecchio (‘Old Palace’) in 1549 when the Medici decamped to the Palazzo Pitti across the river. It still keeps much of its 15th and 16th decoration, despite its current use as the seat of the town council, and its use for six years as the home of the young Italian state’s Chamber of Deputies and Foreign Ministry.

A visit to the Palazzo Whateveritsnameis is interesting rather than essential. I have to say I did not feel as though I learnt an awful lot about the many and varied forms of government Florence experimented with in the three or four centuries when it was at its peak of power and influence. What you see is but a series of snapshots rather than a narrative.

Entering from the ornately-decorated courtayrd, the first room you reach is the Salon di Cinquecento . This is the home of Da Vinci’s famous ‘lost’ work, the Battle of Anghiari. Frescos of military victories against Pisa and Siena decorate the walls. You can also find Michelangelo’s statue ‘Victory’, the vanquished foe still a little rough around the edges. In one corner there is a dinky little study (the Studiolo) with a secret door which you cannot enter unless you are on a tour. There are also some computer screens that take you through selections of the history, art and architecture of the building.

From here you progress to the Sala di Leone X, chambers devoted to the Medici popes (you can see their coat of arms surmounted by the crossed keys of the Vatican frequently). Most of the rooms are off limits (they are still used as offices), but you can see their thematic twins upstairs. So for instance, above a room devoted to Leo X, you would find another identically-sized room devoted to Jupiter etc. In the Quartiere di Eleonora, the quarters of Eleonor of Toledo, wife of Cosimo I, has ceiling frescos recalling faithful Penelope, dutiful wife of the Greek hero Odysseus and a symbol of uxorial fidelity. She also has her own chapel, decorated by Bronzino.

The Sala di Gualdrada has a frieze depicting civic festivities – religious processions, jousting in Piazza Santa Croce, football matches. There is a statue of ‘Judith and Holofernes’ by Donatello in the Sala dei Gigli. This was used as a fountain by the Medici, and then later erected under the Loggia dei Lanzi following their expulsion from the city with a warning against tyranny – a very graphic one judging by Judith’s upraised sword. Off to one side from this room with its golden fleurs-de-lys on a blue background is a narrow bare room. This is the Chancery, and was used as an office by the secretaries of the council. Among them was Niccolo Macchiavelli, whose name has entered the English language as a byword for nefarious political machinations. Next door is a map-room, its walls lined with charts detailing many and various parts of the world. On a map of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania (which here stretched down to the Crimea) I could make out the route of my travels over midsummer 2005 – Reval (Talinn), Riga, Memel (Klaipeda), Vilnius. Better yet, on a map of the British Isles, I could just make out a town located between Manchester and Liverpool. I love the fact that the mighty Medici could place Warrington!

The Palazzo Vecchio is open from 9.00am to 7.00pm daily (except for Thursdays and Sundays when it closes at 2.00pm). Entrance is €6.00 (€4.50 for EU students between the ages of 18 & 25, and for those over 65; €2.00 for those 17 or under).
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From journal Florence, Birth-Place of the Renaissance

Palazzo Vecchio (Palazzo della Signoria)

by Ed Hahn

Hong Kong, China

August 28, 2005

Best of IgoUgo Tom and I split up this morning. I decide to try the Palazzo Vecchio, which my wife, Pam, and I missed in December. He heads for the Bargello Museum to satisfy his lust for statuary. The Palazzo Vecchio is unimpressive from the outside, but ...Read more Tom and I split up this morning. I decide to try the Palazzo Vecchio, which my wife, Pam, and I missed in December. He heads for the Bargello Museum to satisfy his lust for statuary.

The Palazzo Vecchio is unimpressive from the outside, but very impressive on the inside. In my opinion, its contents are more interesting from an historical point of view rather than from an artistic one.

As I wander around, I realize that even the wealthy Medici's lived in circumstances that today's average American middle class family would totally reject. Even the Medicis eventually moved to the more posh Palazzo Pitti.

Palazzo Vecchio, or as it is sometimes called, Palazzo della Signoria, was cobbled together starting in the 13th century and ending in the 16th. The final stage was sponsored by Duke Cosimo I de' Medici, who moved into the palace with all his family. It has served as both living quarters and government offices since then, including as the seat of United Italy’s provisional Government from 1865 until 1871, when the national government moved to Rome. Today, the palace contains the city council offices, which do not seem to inhibit the stream of visitors. One of the most impressive rooms, the Hall of the Two Hundred, is being used for the meetings of the city council. Fortunately, they weren’t meeting when I visited.

There are literally hundreds of frescoes scattered throughout the building. Some of the more impressive "frescoed" rooms are the Salone dei Cinquecento (Hall of the Two Hundred), the Study of Francesco I, the apartments of Leo X, Cosimo I’s wife, Eleonora’s apartments, and the Rooms of the Elements. The Palazzo also contains some sculptural masterpieces from the Renaissance, including the "Genius of Victory" by Michelangelo and the bronze "Judith and Holofernes" by Donatello. Tom isn’t the only one who gets to see some outstanding statues.

In retrospect, I wish I had purchased a guide book at the gift shop, as I got somewhat confused as to what I was looking at and how it fit in historically. I underestimated how interesting and worthwhile visiting the palace was going to be.

Entry costs about 7€. It has odd opening hours, which is why Pam and I missed it in December. I made sure it would be open this morning before I came here. I do believe that it is open, for sure, every Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 7pm.

From journal Fabulous, Fantastic Florence

Palazzo Vecchio

by Tolik

Tampa, Florida

August 11, 2004

Palazzo Vecchio (the Old Palace) open Mon – Wed, Fri: 9am–7pm; Thursday, Sun 9am–2pm; entrance: €6. Bear in mind that in addition to casual visit Palazzo Vecchio offers several interesting tours. The Activities Tour ticket includes the Secret ...Read more

From journal The Treasures of Florence

Palazzo Vecchio

by millsy99

Knoxville, Tennessee

June 30, 2001

Best of IgoUgo The Palazzo Vecchio has served as Florence's town hall since it was built in the 1300s. It became known as the "Old Palace" when Cosimo I moved his headquarters across the river to the Pitti Palace. ~~~~ The exterior of the building is notable ...Read more

From journal FLORENCE

Palazzo Vecchio

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The most important public building in Florence

A Town-Hall Fortress in Florence

The Civic Heart of the Florentine 'Republic'

Palazzo Vecchio (Palazzo della Signoria)

Palazzo Vecchio

Palazzo Vecchio

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